Council adopts ordinance and resolution supporting industrial wastewater pretreatment program tied to Denton Creek system

The City Council approved two related actions on Aug. 19 to implement the industrial-wastewater pretreatment program for the Denton Creek regional wastewater system operated by the Trinity River Authority (TRA).

Director Warren Lanier briefed council on the state review and the need for Southlake to adopt matching ordinance language and a funding resolution as a customer city. "In 2023, TRA submitted a revised pretreatment program for the Denton Creek facility to the TCEQ... As of May 6, 2025 the TCEQ has reviewed and noted that the program was technically complete," Director Lanier said.

Council approved Ordinance No. 1294 (second reading), updating Chapter 9.5, Article 3 of the Southlake City Code to align with the regional pretreatment program, and also adopted Resolution No. 25-028 committing to funding, implementation and enforcement of the program. Staff said there are currently no industrial customers in Southlake; if one locates in city limits staff would propose a fee in the FY2026 fee schedule to cover periodic sampling/testing (historical sampling estimated around $1,250 per quarter).

Why it matters: the ordinance and resolution implement technical requirements tied to TRA’s permit and TCEQ approval processes and ensure the city can collect monitoring costs from industrial dischargers if and when they locate in Southlake. Staff said the action aligns with the city’s strategic objectives for environmental regulation and operations.

Council voted 7–0 on both the ordinance (second reading) and the resolution.